Abstract
In the present study, Botryococcus sp. was the feedstock for the ethanol and methyl ester production. In the one-way method, the biomass was utilized for the optimization of sugar recovery process in which maximum sugar recovery was obtained when using 0.3 N H2SO4 and autoclave conditions for 15 min. At the end of fermentation, the yield of 93% of ethanol was obtained. In situ transesterification of spent biomass for methyl ester production was performed using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as solvent and the optimum conditions were 5 mL DMC/g biomass, 12% (w/w) catalyst, 1% (w/w) water addition, 50 °C and 36 h. In addition to methyl ester as a main product, glycerol carbonate, glycerol dicarbonate and glycerol were also formed as by-products which have high industrial values. The study further compared the one-way method and the integrated method in which Botryococcus sp. showed higher efficiency on both bioethanol and methyl ester production using integrated method. Hence, Botryococcus sp. could be efficiently utilized as feedstock for the microalgae biorefinery which can save cost and allow for multiple biofuels production.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call